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Are you looking for bespoke contract packing? Our packing and repacking services provide a comprehensive range of options for packing or repacking your product and total compliance with local market regulations.

Whether you’re a start-up business or you run a well-established manufacturing company, outsourcing your packing requirements has many advantages. But before you hand over the packing reins, it’s important to make sure you find the right contract packing partner for your needs. 

As we explain below, finding a contractor takes time and effort – what suits one business won’t necessarily be the best option for another. Get it right, however, and it could be one of the best business decisions you make. 

Continue reading to learn more about hiring a contract packing company and discover how to choose the right contract packing partner with our handy tips.

What is contract packing?

Contract packing is when a specialist company (known as a contract packer) packs products on behalf of another business. In some cases, this can be as simple as providing protective padding and boxing fragile items like mobile phones. 

However, contract packing can also involve packing dangerous or sensitive products like chemical solutions, solvents, and vaccines. The packing agreement is usually limited to a certain number of items and, in some instances, a set period (to cover seasonal peaks, for example).

Packing chemicals on the repacking line at ReAgent
Packing chemicals on the repacking line at ReAgent

When a business hires a contract packing company, they’ll normally specify the type of packaging material they require and the number of goods per pack, and the packer then handles the rest. Some contract packing companies, including ReAgent, also offer a custom product labelling service. This can be a great solution if you want your packaging to reflect your brand and complement the rest of your product line.

There are many reasons why you might choose to outsource your packing. Some businesses simply have too many orders to fulfil their packing requirements in-house, while others don’t have the right skills or equipment. Either way, using a third-party contract packer can free up time and resources so you can focus on growing your business.

Why is picking the right contract packing partner important?

Picking the right contract packing partner is important for several reasons. Firstly, hiring a suitable contractor streamlines your operations and makes your business more efficient. Instead of packing goods, workers can focus on other profit-driving areas of the business such as production. 

In most cases, outsourcing your packing also means you can offer customers a faster turnaround while reducing your overheads and capital investment costs, since specialist packing equipment can be very expensive.

ReAgent employees working on the shop floor
Outsourcing your packing requirements means you don’t have to invest in equipment or manpower

Another advantage is that the right contract packing company can make your products look more aesthetically pleasing. This will help you stand out from the competition, which is essential if you want to boost sales and grow your business. 

And then there are the legal benefits to consider. Partnering with a respected contract packer that specialises in your industry means your packaging will comply with any local market regulations, helping you to avoid a potentially costly breach.

How to choose a contract packing partner

Choosing a contract packing partner is not as straightforward as you might think – the process requires time, effort, and plenty of patience. 

Before you start your search, you’ll need to set your criteria and define your packing requirements. Of course, this will depend on a variety of factors such as the type of product, the quantity of goods that need to be packed, and any specialist packaging solutions. Some pharmaceutical products, for example, must be packed in specialist clean rooms

A staff member of ReAgent Chemicals in a cleanroom.

Once you’ve decided on the specifications, draw up a technically-detailed proposal to send to potential packing partners. The next step is to start looking for packing companies that will be a good fit for your business.

The following tips can help you to narrow down your search and choose a contract packing partner that meets your needs.

1. Conduct thorough research

To find the right contract packing partner, you’ll need to carry out thorough research using the various sources you have at your disposal. When searching online, be specific and use varied search terms. 

Social media can also be a useful tool as most companies will be on at least one social platform – LinkedIn would be a good place to start. If possible, contact people in your industry network and ask for referrals or recommendations.

Once you’ve identified potential companies, visit their websites to find out more about their services. You’ll need to consider whether they have the experience and equipment to fulfil your packing needs. For example, some pharmaceutical products have to be packed in specialist containers like vials and ampoules, while processed meats will require vacuum sealing and refrigeration.

2. Set up a face-to-face meeting & tour

To narrow down your search, make a shortlist of five potential companies you want to pursue further. To help cut transport costs, you might want to prioritise those that are closest to you (provided they meet your other criteria). 

Set up an in-person meeting and arrange a tour of their facilities. This will allow you to see their operations first-hand and give you a better understanding of their capabilities.

ReAgent being audited by a customer
A tour of the ReAgent facilities

3. Ask questions – be honest & upfront

Use face-to-face meetings as an opportunity to ask questions about their operations, machinery, technical capabilities, turnaround times and pricing structure. If you don’t have the technical knowledge to ask the right questions, consider bringing someone who does. Always be honest and upfront about what you need, and your budget, to avoid any disappointment later on.

4. Ensure full commitment & high quality standards

When choosing a contract packing partner, you need to be confident they’ll complete the job to a high standard. Ask for details of their ISO certifications, along with any other documents that demonstrate a commitment to quality. You might even want to include corresponding sanctions in the contract, which can be enforced if the company breaches the quality agreement. 

5. Guarantee the company has your values & beliefs 

Your packaging is the first impression you make, so it needs to send the right message. Consider choosing a firm that can help you convey your brand values. For example, if environmental sustainability is a core part of your business, make sure the contract packer offers a good range of eco-friendly packaging solutions. 

Likewise, if your products are targeted at high-end customers, you may want your packaging to have a luxurious feel. The choice of materials and designs is therefore crucial when choosing a contract packing company to partner with.

Summary

If you’re planning to outsource your packing, it’s important to choose a contract packing company that can meet your specific requirements. Partnering with the right company will help your products stand out from the competition, while streamlining operations and reducing your overheads. Before making your decision, do plenty of research and set up in-person meetings. Try to find a company that aligns with your values and demonstrates a commitment to quality.

For more information on ReAgent’s contract packing service, read our contract packing guide or watch our short video.

About the author

Jessica Clifton

Director

Jessica is a Director at ReAgent and leads a variety of growth projects. She has an extensive background in marketing, and has worked in the chemical manufacturing industry since 2019. When she’s not writing articles for ReAgent, Jessica can be found on a run, in her campervan, building LEGO, or watching Star Wars.

Disclaimer

All content published on the ReAgent.co.uk blog is for information only. The blog, its authors, and affiliates cannot be held responsible for any accident, injury or damage caused in part or directly from using the information provided. Additionally, we do not recommend using any chemical without reading the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which can be obtained from the manufacturer. You should also follow any safety advice and precautions listed on the product label. If you have health and safety related questions, visit HSE.gov.uk.